FVAP.gov is Available to All Voters
WASHINGTON-- The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is aware of reports that some overseas voters are unable to access their state's online voter registration and election systems. Overseas voters attempting to access blocked sites may see messages in their browser windows such as, "This site can't be reached," "The page you are looking for can't be found," or "Access denied." This is primarily due to states blocking web traffic from foreign countries in an effort to increase the cybersecurity of their online websites.
"Overseas citizens having difficulty requesting or obtaining their state ballot can turn to FVAP.gov, which is available in all countries," FVAP Director David Beirne said. "FVAP continues to work with states to understand how to best address their cybersecurity concerns while maintaining voters' rights. For military members, their families and other US citizens overseas, that includes the right to receive their ballot electronically with sufficient time to submit it by ballot return deadlines."
With the general election less than 30 days away on Nov. 6, FVAP encourages overseas voters to return their completed ballots now. If a voter cannot access their state's voting website to register to vote or access ballots FVAP encourages them to contact their election office for help. Additionally, voters may always access FVAP.gov regardless of their global location.
Those who already requested, but have not received a state ballot or cannot access their state website to download a ballot can go to FVAP.gov and use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). All states accept the FWAB as an official backup ballot for federal offices. FVAP.gov offers an interactive online tool that assists in completion of the FWAB. The tool saves time and improves accuracy by using registration addresses to list candidates for federal offices for that jurisdiction. After filling out the backup ballot, voters must print, sign and send it to their election office using the instructions provided.
If voters receive their requested state ballot after submitting the FWAB, they may vote and return the state ballot as well. The state will only count one ballot if both are received by the deadline.
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Federal Voting Assistance Program
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a Department of Defense (DoD) organization that works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so — from anywhere in the world.
FVAP assists voters through partnerships with the military services, Department of State, Department of Justice, and election officials from the 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. State and local governments administer U.S. elections, including those for federal offices. FVAP supports state and local election officials by providing absentee voting information, materials, training and guidance.
Voters can contact FVAP's call center at 703-588-1584 (toll free 1-800-438-VOTE or DSN 425-1584) or at vote@fvap.gov. Find FVAP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoDFVAP and follow @FVAP on Twitter.
